LANSING – State Representative Robert Dean (D-Grand Rapids) today voted for a comprehensive bipartisan energy plan that will create thousands of good-paying jobs and make our state a leader in the rapidly growing renewable energy industry.
"Investing in renewable energy is the key to creating good-paying jobs now and moving our economy forward," Dean said. "Other states are attracting thousands of 'green-collar' jobs and millions of dollars in private investment by requiring that a certain amount of their electricity come from clean, renewable sources. This plan will allow us to capture these economic benefits while taking control of our energy future."
The comprehensive plan:
- Requires Michigan to increase the amount of electricity generated from clean, renewable sources such as wind and solar to 10 percent by 2015. Doing so will make Michigan competitive with nearly 30 other states that already have such a standard.
- Requires utilities to establish programs that help residents and businesses use electricity more efficiently, which will save consumers billions of dollars by reducing their usage.
- Includes an income tax credit for working families and seniors to help with energy costs and tax credits for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances.
Dean voted against part of the plan that allows energy utilities to put more of a burden on consumers.
"I voted against allowing utilities to shift too many costs onto working families at a time they can least afford it," Dean said. "The monthly electric bill is part of a family's monthly budget, and I want to be sure we are doing everything we can to keep those costs down. We must make sure that any plan protects both consumers and businesses while moving Michigan's economy forward."